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Sweetwater

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Professional productionWorkshop/Lab

Sweetwater

Music by

Liz FiliosSean Mahoney

Book and Lyrics by

Patricia Noonan

Synopsis

Sweetwater is a musical inspired by the story of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) -- the first women to fly military planes for the United States in WWII.

As World War II shakes the nation, sisters Beth and Frankie journey to Sweetwater, Texas, where they join with women from across the country to fly for the US Army Air Forces. Though they master 77 types of planes and become among the first to test the new B-29 bomber, these women know they risk their lives every day without the benefit of military status. When one of their own loses her life, Frankie, Beth, and the others must decide how to serve a country that needs their skills but refuses to fully acknowledge their sacrifice – and how to fight for the sisters they have found in the process.

From the fringes of the history books, Sweetwater brings the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their fight for recognition center stage in a story of duty, love, and the joys and costs that come with being a female pioneer.

Overview

Type of Work

Musical (Full Length)

Duration

120-150 minutes

Genres

Historical/Period

Musical Styles

Contemporary Broadway

Additional Information

Cast Size

15-19

Orchestra Size

Small/Combo (<5)

Character Breakdown

Men: 4Women: 13

Developmental History + Awards

Sweetwater was born from a desire to celebrate a team of women on the musical stage. It was initially conceived by Patricia Noonan and Sean Mahoney when, researching another project, they came across tales of the WASP. The passion, tenacity, and spirit of these women made us realize: the WASP were the story.

Sweetwater was developed at the Writers’ Grove at Goodspeed Opera House, then presented at Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals directed by Emily Maltby with musical direction by Liz Doran. Selections have been presented in concert at 54 Below, the International Conference of Female Pilots (the 99s), the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival, and the National WASP Museum in Sweetwater, Texas.

In 2020, Sean Mahoney stepped away from the project, giving his blessing to bring on another composer. Composer Liz Filios joined and has been working on a score that weaves together both of their musical voices. During the pandemic, Sweetwater was adapted to a radio play for the Philadelphia Women's Theater Festival. In 2024, Sweetwater was one of two shows chosen for and presented in a full workshop production by the Polyphone Festival at University of the Arts.